The new naturalization law

It stipulates that the minimum residency period required to apply for citizenship in Germany will be shortened from eight years to five years. For exceptional integration achievements, this minimum residency period will be further reduced to three years. Additionally, there are relaxations in language requirements and entitlements to social benefits. Overall, the new Naturalization Act signals that Germany has embraced globalization and, in particular, values people with migration backgrounds and their entire histories, without pushing them to completely leave behind their countries of origin. Rather, it acknowledges that in a globalized world, one can feel equally connected to two different states: the one where they were born and raised and the one they consciously immigrated to and chose to spend part of their lives in.